Arief Rosyid: Sheikh Yusuf as a Model of Comprehensive Leadership

Chairman of the Sheikh Yusuf Youth Movement, Arief Rosyid, has encouraged the younger generation to revive the legacy of Sheikh Yusuf’s intellectual leadership, which he deems relevant in addressing the current crisis of exemplary figures. This call was made during the Halal Bihalal and Cultural Dialogue event commemorating the 400th anniversary of Sheikh Yusuf, held at Balla Lompoa, Sungguminasa, Gowa Regency, on Wednesday (25/3). Arief assesses that the public sphere today faces a void of complete role models for the youth. According to him, many figures appear strong in one aspect but weak in others, thus failing to present comprehensive leadership examples. “Sheikh Yusuf embodies the unity of profound knowledge, spiritual strength, and political courage in a consistent life trajectory,” stated Arief. He emphasised that Sheikh Yusuf’s legacy needs to be translated into relevant leadership practices for contemporary conditions. “We are not short of information; we lack complete role models. Sheikh Yusuf provides a complete architecture of leadership,” he added. Academic from UIN Alauddin Makassar, Wahyuddin Halim, views the main strength of Sheikh Yusuf as lying in the consistency between thought and action. “He did not stop at ideas but tested them in reality. From there emerges integrity and courage with a solid foundation,” he explained. Meanwhile, academic from Hasanuddin University, Adi Suryadi Culla, stressed that leadership does not emerge instantly but through a long process of intellectual development and character building. “Sheikh Yusuf demonstrates that there is an accumulation of knowledge and discipline before one enters the arena of struggle,” he said. This event is expected to position Gowa as the starting point for the emergence of youth leadership rooted in values, while capable of addressing the challenges of the times. The event was also attended by several figures, including Chairman of the South Sulawesi Mosque Council, retired Major General TNI Andi Muhammad Bau Sawa Mappanyukki, Chairman of the High Customary Council of the Gowa Kingdom Andi Bau Malik Barammamase, and Chairman of FKGP-SH Andi Pangerang Nur Akbar.